Pernod Ricard Announces Senior Management Changes

Pernod Ricard announced several senior management changes effective September 1, including promotions for two top executives currently at Pernod Ricard USA.

Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA, has been appointed Chairman and CEO, The ABSOLUT Company, based in Stockholm, Sweden. Duffy, who also was named to the Pernod Ricard Group Executive Committee, succeeds PhilippeGuettat, who has been named Chairman and CEO, Mumm Martell Perrier Jouet Company, replacing Lionel Breton, who is retiring.

In his new role, Duffy will assume global responsibility for the marketing, production and commercial development of Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rum and Kahlua. His experience in the U.S. market – which represents roughly 40 percent of The Absolut Company’s global business – will offer significant benefit. “I’m looking forward to building on the momentum we’ve established for Absolut and Malibu in the U.S., and to stepping up our turnaround plans for Kahlua,” Duffy said.

Duffy added: “My new assignment, and the related move of Thibault Cuny, represent a vote of confidence from Paris in the U.S. business. We’ve produced strong results by increasing investment in our priority brands (which in addition to The ABSOLUT company brands include Jameson, The Glenlivet, Chivas Regal and Perrier Jouet), relentlessly focusing on consumers, creating a powerful route to market and retaining, developing and attracting talented people. And there’s no question that our business will continue to thrive under the experienced, strong leadership of Bryan, John and the rest of our U.S. team.”

Said Fry: “I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead Pernod Ricard’s business in its largest market, where we are a strong challenger. Our rank as the #2 player* in premium spirits** in the U.S., coupled with consumer trends favoring premium brands and our premiumization strategy, bode well for ongoing strong performance.”

Duffy and Cuny will work closely with Fry and Nicodemo during an upcoming transitional period.